Little Rock, Arkansas – On Friday’s episode of “Wheel of Fortune,” an Arkansas Air Force veteran won a substantial amount of cash and goodies, including a trip abroad.
Eddie Pena of Little Rock made an appearance on the last day of “Veterans Week,” winning a trip to Italy along with a total of $26,100 in prizes.
Producing “Wheel of Fortune” since he was a child, Pena described being on the longest-running syndicated game show in the US as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” The Air Force veteran, who spent more than 27 years working as a flight engineer and in security, expressed his gratitude for being a part of host Pat Sajak’s last season.
Pena served in England, Turkey, and Switzerland before being sent to Uganda, Albania, Bahrain, Djibouti, Kuwait, and Iraq. According to the episode, he was honored with numerous medals throughout his time in the military, including the Achievement Medal, the Air Medal with Valor, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Aerial Achievement Medal, and the Commendation Medal.
Pena stated that he will use his earnings to construct his wife Jen a lake house in Hot Springs Village and to take a trip.
In June, Sajak, who started presenting the program in 1981, declared that this would be his final season.
Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak wrote on social media. “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
Not long after declaring his retirement, Sajak was appointed chairman of Hillsdale College’s board of trustees.
After this season, Ryan Seacrest is expected to assume control of the TV game show.
The news that fan favorite Vanna White will be extending her contract through the 2025–2026 season was released in September.